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WEATHER

Warning over icy roads and storms as Germany gets first taste of winter

Winter is coming to Germany as frost, ice, storms – and even some snow – hits the country.

Warning over icy roads and storms as Germany gets first taste of winter
Plummeting temperatures in Germany mean there is more snow, ice and frost. Photo: DPA

The first snow of the season fell on higher grounds including in the Swabian Alb area and the Brocken in the Harz mountain range in Saxony-Anhalt at the weekend.

In the Black Forest snow ploughs were also in use, while up to 55 centimetres of snow fell on Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze.

And in the coming days more snow is expected at higher altitudes, and it's going to get frosty in many parts of the country.

German Weather Service (DWD) forecasters expect temperatures below freezing in most of Bavaria in the coming days. It comes after temperatures dropped to –8C in the Oberallgäu region on Saturday night, German media reported.

In other parts of southern Germany it's not been quite as cold but drivers should be careful in the morning and when it gets dark because of frost and icy weather. Dense fog has also been creating some problems.

Lows of –1C are expected in southern Germany on Thursday.

The DWD tweeted to say there had been fresh snow on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, strong gusts of wind and storms have also been affecting Germany, especially in coastal regions. 

READ ALSO: Golden October: Germany enjoys sunshine and warmth

Yellow (level one) and some orange (level two) weather warnings were in place on Tuesday in northern regions as well as the south and west as shown in the DWD map below.

Screenshot: DWD

On Twitter, DWD said strong winds could last until Wednesday night. On the East Frisian North Sea island of Norderney, gusts up to 52km/h were recorded and in Helogland, Schleswig-Holstein there were gusts of 65km/h.

A DWD spokesperson said autumn was in full swing.

“We all need a jacket and scarf, some already need hats and gloves,” the spokesperson said. 

People who live at high altitudes will also have to prepare for more snow and slippery roads in the coming days. 

About 600m of snow is expected in the Erzebirge, Bavarian Forest and in the Alps. 

Drivers urged to prepare

It is expected to be frosty at night in lowland areas too, and there is some risk of black ice if rainfall freezes over.

Forecasters warned drivers to take extra caution and to change to winter tyres if they hadn't already.

“Those who have not yet changed over to winter tyres should do so now,” said the spokesperson. “If you are involved in an accident with unsuitable tyres, you will be fined irrespective of whether you are to blame for the accident or not.”

Experts also said it was a good idea to leave for work earlier in colder weather so drivers are not tempted to rush on the roads.

“Pedestrians and cyclists should wear suitable clothing,” the spokesperson added. They advised wearing visible jackets and making sure bikes have reflectors and lights.

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WEATHER

Spring to arrive in Germany with temperatures of up to 21C

The moment many people around Germany have been waiting for is almost here: as of Thursday, temperatures are expected to crack the 20C mark and stay warm through the start of spring.

Spring to arrive in Germany with temperatures of up to 21C

Whether it’s the pink cherry blossom trees which have started to bloom, lighter evenings or people walking around with ice cream cones, the signs of springs have already started to show around Germany in March.

Now the weather is also catching up: following rain storms on Wednesday, the mercury is expected to reach at least 20C in many parts of the Bundesrepublik on Thursday. 

READ ALSO: Seven signs that Spring has arrived in Germany

First there’s some damper news: On Wednesday, Germany – in particular the southwest – is expected to be hit by the storms. In the Black Forest, 30 to 40 litres per square metre will fall by midday, according to the German Weather Service (DWD).

In the Alps, light snowfall will set in above 1,000 to 1,200 metres, with fresh snowfall of around five centimetres expected. 

The rain will ease by the following morning, but it will remain cloudy.

Up to 21C on Thursday

On Thursday, after the morning the fog disappears, people can look forward to a sunny and dry day – especially in the south and western parts of Germany. 

Temperatures will rise to a pleasant 14 to 21C degrees, with the highest values on the Upper Rhine. 

In mountainous areas and by the sea, it will remain somewhat cooler at 10C to 14C. 

Friday will be characterised by changeable weather: there will be sunny spells as well as rain showers, which will spread from the west and may be heavy in places – including thunderstorms. 

Temperatures will be between 14C and 18C degrees, and in the Lausitz region in eastern Germany it could even reach a warm 20 degrees.

Warmer weeks

While this Sunday could still see some single digit temperatures in northern parts of Germany – such as 9C in Berlin and Hamburg – the coming week is set to experience continually warmer weather, remaining at 14C and higher. 

The first day of spring officially begins this year with the Spring Equinox on March 19th. The days will become even lighter in Germany after Daylight Savings Time, which this year takes place in the early hours of Easter Sunday, or March 31st.

READ ALSO: Everything that changes in Germany in March 2024

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